Gemini Giant

“a landmark statue on Route 66”

The Gemini Giant is a landmark statue on U.S. Route 66 at the Eastern entrance to Wilmington, Will County, Illinois. Standing outside the Launching Pad Drive-In restaurant, the 30 foot tall statue is one of many giant "Muffler Man" advertising props found throughout the USA in the Sixties. The Gemini Giant is named after the Gemini space program and holds a silver "rocket ship" in his hands, while sporting an astronaut's space helmet that looks more like a welding mask.

Too bad the Launching Pad is closed, but the Gemini Giant still stands tall over the place. He's in great shape and is one of the more unique giants that dot Route 66. You can't do RT66 and not get a picture here!

This was so absolutely cool and worth the 10-miles-off-my-path to see this gem. I love stuff like this and I was so totally excited when I turned the corner and saw him. The restaurant, Launching Pad, is closed, though which is a shame. It still has Route 66 memorabilia you can see through the windows. I'm so happy I made the trip. Very worthwhile for me!

Been here twice in the last year, as I road-tripped I-80 from chicago to west-coast in July and then did 66 back in Oct... got to see improvements between the two visits... They are most definitely back open... by 2nd visit they had opened a museum space at the back of the restaurant to clear counter space in the front from all their collectables which had been in the front the first time. The Owners have come up with a whole line of unique Gemini giant/route 66 merchandise -- not the generic route 66 stuff found everywhere else. Talked to the owners both times, they said they should have the cafe up and running by the spring of 2019 -- they had to completely redo the pipes and have been paying for the renovations out of pocket from proceeds raised by sale of the t-shirts and stuff. Come and support their efforts to keep this 66 classic from dying

Gemini Giant still stands! The Launching Pad is still closed for business but access to the giant is still available. Shocking to see cooking equipment, tables, chairs and memorabilia still inside the restaurant. Almost that they closed one night anticipating opening the next morning and never did after many years.